The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump intends to visit India in the coming weeks, a trip seen as a diplomatic overture following a period of strained relations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Downing Street, meanwhile, has dispatched senior trade negotiators to New Delhi in an effort to safeguard Commonwealth trade links that could be jeopardised by a potential US-India bilateral deal.
Sources in London said the UK team, led by the Department for Business and Trade, is seeking assurances that any agreement between Washington and New Delhi does not undermine preferential access for British goods under the Commonwealth framework. The negotiations are part of a broader British strategy to maintain influence in the region after Brexit, with Commonwealth ties seen as a key pillar of Global Britain.
The president’s planned visit, first reported by the Times of India, marks a significant shift after months of acrimony. Mr Trump had previously criticised Mr Modi’s trade policies and threatened tariffs on Indian goods. However, recent discussions between the two leaders have yielded tentative progress on market access and defence cooperation, paving the way for a state visit.
Analysts said the timing is crucial. With the US presidential election approaching, Mr Trump is eager to showcase foreign policy wins. India, a key counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific, offers a strategic partner. For Mr Modi, a White House endorsement bolsters his domestic standing amid economic headwinds.
The British position is complicated. No 10 has publicly welcomed the thaw but privately fears that an exclusive US-India deal could sideline UK exporters, particularly in pharmaceuticals, textiles and services. London is therefore lobbying for a multilateral framework that preserves tariff preferences for Commonwealth members.
“The UK must ensure it is not left out as the US and India deepen their ties,” said a Whitehall official. “We are negotiating proactively to protect our interests and those of Commonwealth partners.”
The visit is expected to take place before the G20 summit in September. Details of the itinerary remain unconfirmed, but sources suggest Mr Trump will travel to New Delhi and possibly Mumbai. The agenda is likely to include trade, defence and climate change, as well as a joint statement on the rules-based international order.
Critics argue that the Commonwealth has limited leverage in the face of US-India bilateralism. However, supporters note that the grouping still accounts for a significant share of global trade and provides a platform for smaller nations. The UK’s intervention underscores its determination to remain a relevant actor in South Asian affairs.
No final decision has been made on the exact dates, but both sides are said to be pushing for a summer visit. Observers will watch closely to see whether the president’s trip delivers substantive outcomes or remains a symbolic gesture.
For now, the diplomatic machinery is in motion. The UK’s trade team is expected to remain in India for several days, with further talks planned in London next week. The outcome of these negotiations could shape the future of Commonwealth commerce for years to come.
